Forces Shaping the CIO Agenda in 2011 - Slide 6

In 2010, 51 percent of CIOs revealed they were considering using cloud computing. Despite the much cited benefits, in 2011 the survey still reveals a mixed picture of use, ranging from the 22 percent exploiting cloud for core business processes through to the 8 percent of organizations that have considered but discounted cloud for their organization. In PA’s view, this reflects the growing maturity and understanding of cloud, as CIOs start to understand where cloud can and cannot add value as part of their business model.

A 2011 survey of over 2,500 CIOs and IT leaders by PA Consulting Group and Harvey Nash reveals that CIOs are playing an increasingly influential role within their organization. However, management boards are still demanding that CIOs save costs, increase operational efficiencies and deliver consistent and stable IT performance to the business.

If cost, efficiency and stability become a CIO’s sole focus and IT work is increasingly outsourced, then the future for those CIOs is as facilities managers. In PA’s view, keeping the lights on and reducing costs are only half the role.

The good news is that there is an opportunity for CIOs to take action and build on a trend of growing influence. The survey shows that 50 percent of CIOs now sit on the operational board or executive management team, almost 40 percent have seen their budgets grow over the past year and the same number have seen their salaries increase in the past 12 months.

This slideshow highlights the key market and internal forces that are shaping the landscape from the CIO perspective in 2011, as well as tips on how to achieve the right balance on the utility-to-innovation continuum.